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Redmond open to idea of two hitting coaches

Redmond open to idea of two hitting coaches

7/28/13: Tino Martinez and Larry Beinfest talk about Martinez stepping down as the Marlins' hitting coach

By Joe Frisaro and Joe Morgan
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- Of all the jobs on the staff, Marlins manager Mike Redmond says the toughest is the hitting coach.

The task is so demanding, several teams have decided to make it a two-person position. Redmond said he would be open to the idea next season.

"I think that's definitely something we need to talk about," Redmond said. "It really could be a two-man job. You add another guy to be in there, to work on the maintenance part of hitting -- the flips [in cages], and the early BP, and stuff like that. It would definitely free up more time for another guy.

"I've thought about that. I think that's definitely something we'll talk about this winter as an organization, about possibly having an extra guy, or having somebody else help out with that role."

The Cardinals and Phillies are just a couple of teams with a second hitting coach or instructor.

"The hitting coach is the toughest job, by far," Redmond said. "You have all those hitters. You have a lot of different routines. You have a lot of different personalities. That's the most time. The hitting coach is in that cage from 1 o'clock until game time."

The Marlins on Monday welcomed John Pierson as their interim hitting coach.

Formerly Miami's Minor League field coordinator, Pierson replaces Tino Martinez, who resigned on Sunday after reports surfaced that he was abusive to players.

Martinez on Sunday expressed his apologies during a news conference.

"He made his statement," Redmond said. "He apologized. Like I said, it was a tough situation for him, and everybody. We're moving on."

The Marlins rank last in the Majors in runs scored, batting average and home runs.

But Martinez's exit was not based on the production of the team. It was for his conduct. He primarily crossed the line by grabbing Derek Dietrich by the jersey in early May.

After it was made public that there was physical contact with a player, Martinez stated the time was right to step down.

Speaking generally about the role of a hitting coach, Redmond said: "There is early hitting. It never stops."